Bloc Québécois Tables Bill to Remove Religious Defence to Hate Speech

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa on March 9, 2023. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet has tabled a bill to remove the provision in the Criminal Code that allows religion to be used as a defence against hate speech charges.

When tabling Bill C-367 on Nov. 28, Mr. Blanchet said the change to the Criminal Code is needed, given the rise in hate that is particularly targeting the Jewish community.